Postdoctoral Research Fellow (f/m)

The Metabolism of Infection Research Group
headed by Lena Pernas at the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing
is looking for a full time

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (m/f) (job code 24-2018)

Intracellular pathogens depend on their hosts for metabolites essential for growth, and therefore compete with host cells for a limited set of nutrients. Although key players in this competition are the host organelles that store, breakdown, utilize, and export specific metabolites, we understand little of the role of host metabolism and organelles in the cellular response to infection. The overarching goal of the Pernas lab is to understand how metabolism influences the progression of infectious disease at the cellular and organismal level. To do so, we seek to:

Understand how metabolic organelles such
as mitochondria sense and respond to intracellular pathogens

Define how cellular metabolism is rewired during infection, and determine which pathways regulate pathogen growth

Delineate the nutrient sensing and acquisition strategies that confer pathogens with metabolic flexibility

Our work exploits the genetically tractable human parasite Toxoplasma gondii as a model pathogen and combines advanced live cell imaging, protein and metabolite profiling, and genomic screens with molecular and biochemical approaches. We seek highly motivated and curious scientists to join us in our research endeavors in an outstanding scientific environment.

This position is available from January 2019.
Qualifications
The applicant is required to hold a Ph.D. in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry or a related field, and have a strong track record of accomplishments. Candidates passionate about metabolism and microbes and with prior experience in one or more of the following methodologies are encouraged to apply for this position: Toxoplasma cell culture, mammalian cell culture, protein and RNA analysis, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, confocal
microscopy, mass-spectrometry, or infection mouse models. The working language is English; knowledge of the German language is not required.

Research environment
The Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing (MPI-AGE) was founded in 2008 with the aim to understand fundamental mechanisms of healthy ageing. It is part of a broad network of research institutions in the Cologne-Bonn area dedicated to research on ageing, metabolism, and age-related disease, including the CECAD Cluster of Excellent in the University of Cologne and the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, constituting a vibrant and collaborative environment for research. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and excellent core facilities, to which the successful candidate will have access, the institute provides outstanding research opportunities for its scientists. At the moment, we host employees from more than 30 different nations.

1. A cover letter that discusses your interest in the position, past research experience and scientific achievements, and future research interests
2. Your CV including a list of publications and the contact information for 2-3 referees

The employment contract is based on contracts for the civil service (TVöD-Bund, Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst) and will initially be limited to 2 years, with a possibility for an extension after this period. The Max Planck Society is committed to employ more disabled individuals and especially encourages them to apply. We also seek to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and especially encourage them to apply. The Deadline to apply is October 28th 2018.